Articles

Nepal

Nepal

Welcome to Nepal

Namaskar!

The Kingdom of Nepal is a beautiful landlocked country in Asia. It is bordered by India and Tibet. The world’s highest mountain range, the Himalayas, covers much of Nepal. The Himalayas are called the “Roof of the World”. Nepal has eight peaks which are more than 5000 metres (2650 ft) high. Mount Everest (known as Sagarmatha in Nepal) which, at 29028 ft, is the world’s highest peak. A Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and a New Zealander Edmund Hillary were the first to climb Mount Everest.

With a history spanning more that 2000 years, Nepal is a level of extreme contrasts in south central Asia. A Hindu kingdom, Nepal was forbidden realm from 1846 to 1951. Only a handful of outsiders are permitted to enter the country during the 100 year rule of the Ranas- hereditary prime ministers, who had seized the King’s power. This period of isolation from outside contact spared Nepal from the colonization of European powers. It also seriously hindered the country’s economic and social development -- a consequence from which Nepal is still recovering.

By 1951, an anti- Rana movement had placed the King back in power and had ended Nepal’s long isolation. Tourists attracted by the rugged beauty of the land whose people had a rich mine of culture, ethnic and religious characteristics. Through tourism and other foreign contact, the Nepalese looked of technological advances in the last of the world.

Many influences have shaped the lifestyles of the ethnic groups in present day Nepal.From the Hindu religion, Tibetans, who practised their own local beliefs entered the region from the north and east. After the sixth century B.C., Buddhism, a religious philosophy founded by Gautama Buddha, arrived from India. Later, the Nepalese would convert their Tibetan neighbours to Buddhism,.

The area of Nepal is 140 797 sq km. Its population is 17 429 000. It’s capital is Kathmandu. The largest cities in Nepal are Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Pataury, and Bhaktapur. The official language of Nepal is Nepali (Devanagari script). The religions in Nepal are Hinduism (90%), Buddhism and Isma. The Rupee is the currency of Nepal. The main exports are grains, jute, timber, oilseeds, ghee (a kind of butter) and potatoes.

Nepalese soldiers are called Gurkhas. Many Gurkhas have served in the armies of Britain and India. They are known for their bravery. Gurkha soldiers have served in both world wars.

Many countries give aid to Nepal. Nepal is building roads, improving health services and starting new industries. Nepal has few resources but several hydroelectric power stations have been built on the rivers.

The Nepalis are religious people. Some temples are very famous. The Panchayat system of government has just ended. The political party has forced the government. The constitution is being revised now.